By Sulaiman Jalloh
In a landmark move to advance educational cooperation and innovation, a delegation from Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with leading Chinese technology firm NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited. The signing ceremony, held in Fujian Province, marks a significant step toward establishing an independent technical college in Sierra Leone.
The proposed college—an ambitious initiative spearheaded by Eng. Adams Mansaray, a Sierra Leonean PhD student at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan—is expected to enhance the country’s technical and vocational education landscape. Eng. Mansaray, whose vision is supported by both the government of Sierra Leone and NetDragon, aims to fill a critical gap in the country’s higher education system by equipping young people with the skills necessary to compete in the modern economy.
“This MOU represents more than just a formal agreement,” said Eng. Mansaray at the signing ceremony. “It’s a statement of intent to invest in the future of Sierra Leone by empowering students through practical, technology-driven education.”
The Sierra Leonean delegation, led by the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, engaged in high-level talks with NetDragon executives to lay the foundation for a long-term partnership. Discussions focused on curriculum development, teacher training, and the integration of digital platforms into the learning process.
The MOU outlines a shared commitment to educational excellence, leveraging NetDragon’s global reputation for building cutting-edge digital learning tools and smart classrooms. The company’s extensive experience in transforming education through technology will be instrumental in the college’s development and success.
The project complements Sierra Leone’s broader development goals, including human capital development, youth empowerment, and economic diversification. With an emphasis on technical and vocational training, the college will help bridge the skills gap and create new opportunities for employment and innovation.
This partnership is a key milestone in our national efforts to transform education, said the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, it aligns with our vision of developing a workforce that is skilled, adaptable, and globally competitive.
The collaboration between Sierra Leone and NetDragon reflects a growing trend of South-South cooperation in education, technology, and sustainable development, it also highlights the value of diaspora-led initiatives, with Eng. Mansaray playing a pivotal role in connecting institutions and championing a homegrown solution for educational reform.
Both parties agreed that the MOU is only the beginning. Immediate next steps will include feasibility assessments, selection of a site for the college in Sierra Leone, and formation of a joint working group to drive project implementation.
As Sierra Leone continues to recover from past challenges and build a resilient economy, initiatives like this provide a pathway to inclusive and sustainable growth. The establishment of an independent, technology-focused college is expected to inspire similar collaborations across Africa and set a precedent for how public-private partnerships can effectively transform education.
In closing, Eng. Mansaray expressed optimism for the road ahead, we are building more than a college, we are building a future where education, innovation, and opportunity come together to unlock the potential of Sierra Leone’s youth, the MOU signing is not just a win for Sierra Leone’s education sector it is a blueprint for visionary cooperation in the service of national progress.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Friday, May 21st, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
